Safest Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Get outside and enjoy. We hear it all the time in the spring. What we should also hear is get outside, enjoy, and stay safe. Don't spoil an outdoor adventure by not preparing yourself. At Mace^® Brand, we believe preparation leads to empowerment, and we're serious about providing community and family safety through individual empowerment. So spend a few minutes educating yourself about the safest ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

HIKING SAFETY

• DO SOME QUICK RESEACH

Figure out how long your adventure will take to complete based on your fitness level. Read about the local wildlife and terrain to understand the potential dangers. Know the weather forecast and be ready to cancel if things change. Also, pack the rain gear in the car, you just never know.

• TELL SOMEONE YOUR PLANS 

This may sound simple, but it's a must. Let a friend, neighbor or another family member know where you're going and what time you expect to be back. It's good to have a plan.

• WHAT ELSE?

Hiking can drain your energy quickly. Be sure to bring extra water and take frequent stops to drink it.  It's a good idea to snack on trail mix, nuts, or granola bars to keep your energy levels high.   

CAMPING TIPS

• LEAVE NO TRACE

It's a common camping motto and it also sets a great example for your children. Most campsites don't allow glass bottles or containers, so be sure to pack enough reusable containers for all your needs. Leave your plastic straws at home, and recycle when you can in an effort to make the next camper's experience as enjoyable as yours. 

• BRING ENOUGH WATER

We can't stress this enough. Think about you campsite. Is there a water hookup? Will you have enough clean water to drink in case something doesn't go as planned? Remember, you'll need water to put out camp fires as well.

• FIRE SAFETY

It's smart to keep campfires at least 15 feet away from tent walls, shrubs, and trees. And you should never use gas stoves, lanterns, or grills inside a tent, camper, or any other enclosed shelter. Never leave a fire unattended and always have a water source nearby for emergencies. 

• RESPECT THE WILDLIFE

It's not a good idea to feed any wildlife at your campsite, or you could end up with several unwelcomed visitors. Watching wildlife from a safe distance is the right thing to do. One of the best camping safety tips is to store your food in a safe place away from your campsite in a vehicle, a bear-safe container, or a storage locker.

•  CARRY BEAR SPRAY

Smart move. And we have what you need at Mace^® Brand. Let us be your guide to staying safe while you're enjoying the great outdoors. Our Guard Alaska Bear Spray is always a top-seller, and for good reason: it works. 

RV TIPS

Cars and trucks may be harder to locate at dealerships, but RVs are plentiful. In fact, most areas of the country are reporting a spike in RV sales right now. RVs are the perfect way to get out, take a trip, and enjoy the outdoors.

So what about safety? Some things to do while you're using an RV.

• Stay buckled up when driving
• Be proactive about maintenance and replace older tires
• Be sure to balance the weight in your RV
• Get a backup camera if your RV does not come with one
• Practice, practice, practice  - know how to hook up the water and electrical connections if your campsites have them. And practice in the daylight.
• Remember a flashlight - a personal safety device like a Mace Brand Flashlight Stun gun is a good choice. It has an LED light, and you can use it on would-be assailants. You never know.

Stay safe everyone. And make some memories in the great outdoors while staying safe. Education leads to empowerment.  

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